According to the United Health Foundation’s 2009 report on America’s Health Rankings, the state of Florida ranked 36th for overall health, while Colorado ranked 8th! (Surprisingly, Vermont holds the #1 spot!) The rankings were based on more than just the number of doctor visits each state’s population racked up. It considered things like personal behavior, public health policies, and availability of medical care. Other factors included how well a state’s health programs function, insurance coverage, levels of education and anti-poverty measures.
The prevalence of obesity was also measured. In this category, Florida ranked 13th, with a whopping 25.1% of the population being classified as obese. Colorado had the lowest rate of obesity at 19.1%! Could this be related to the fact that, in the physical activity ranking, Colorado was 2nd, and Florida 32nd?
How is it that we here in snowy Colorado score so well in terms of physical fitness when compared with the bikini-clad state of Florida? As the foundation’s report indicates, the overall health of each state cannot be measured by how many celebrities choose to live there, or how popular its cities are. It is lifestyle choices that determine how healthy a state – or an individual – is. It’s easy to forget that. We are all tempted to evaluate ourselves superficially, to judge ourselves and others based on outward appearance. Working in a cosmetic surgery practice, I am extremely focused on how people look. I have to remind myself that we are so much more than what can be seen with the naked eye. Someone may look “perfect” on the outside and be perfectly miserable on the inside!
Our goal at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center is to help people see themselves as precious and unique, and to be the best they can be. Our logo represents Dr. Slenkovich’s dedication to “Health and Form”. As he says, “Being a plastic surgeon is so much more than reshaping and remolding the body. It’s about being a part of people’s lives, guiding them through treatment, and helping them to stay healthy. We take pride in supporting a lifelong habit of well-being.”
-Suzanne London Patterson
